Configuring the RAID Controller

The RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Devices) option available for your system is the three channel SecuRAID 530 (Mylex eXtremeRAID 1100) RAID controller board, which gives your system the added security of fault tolerance.

If you order a system with an Operating System (OS) hot load and a RAID controller, the system is pre-configured at the factory according to Table 3-3.

Table 3-3 RAID Configurations

 

RAID Level

 

Hard Drives in

 

Number of

Configured

Hard Drives in

DEU (Not

Description of RAID

Hard Drives

in BSU

BSU Array

Configured)

Configuration for BSU Drives

 

 

 

 

 

1 small and

7

1

Several

JBOD (RAID 7) Known as Just a

several large

 

(small capacity

(large capacity

Bunch of Drives, JBOD allows the

capacity drives

 

drive in BSU)

drives in DEU)

controller to access the drives

 

 

 

 

independently. This configuration

 

 

 

 

has no redundancy and does not

 

 

 

 

use striping.

2 small and

1

2

Several

Mirroring (RAID 1) Drives are

several large

 

(small capacity

(large capacity

paired and mirrored. All data is

capacity drives

 

drives in BSU)

drives in DEU)

100% duplicated on an equivalent

 

 

 

 

drive (fully redundant).

2 or More

1

2

Remainder in

Mirroring (RAID 1) Drives are

same capacity

 

 

DEU

paired and mirrored. All data is

drives

 

 

(same capacity)

100% duplicated on an equivalent

 

 

 

 

drive (fully redundant).

 

 

 

 

 

To complete the RAID configuration or if you want to change the RAID level or add additional hard disks to the array, use the RAID configuration utility. The RAID configuration utility is included with the RAID controller.

If you are adding the RAID controller to an existing system, the RAID configuration utility allows you to configure your disk array before reinstalling your network operating system. The RAID controllers support various versions of RAID technology (referred to as RAID levels). To use any RAID level, you must configure the RAID controller using the RAID configuration utility prior to installing your Network Operating System. For an explanation of this utility, refer to the documentation on the MYLEX CDROM that was shipped with the RAID controller. It describes RAID technology and provides tips on making your array perform well in your specific application. It also covers array hardware preparation, configuration, and initialization. After completing the steps in the manual, you can install your Network Operating System.

If you want to remotely configure the array (from a PC client); increase array capacity online; or monitor statistics on disk and controller activity, you must install the array manager provided with your RAID subsystem. Increasing array capacity is covered in the user's guide shipped with the option.

Configuring Your System 3-23

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NEC 5800/180Ra-7 manual Configuring the RAID Controller, RAID Configurations, Jbod RAID 7 Known as Just a, Deu

5800/180Ra-7 specifications

The NEC 5800/180Ra-7 is a high-performance server model that represents a significant advancement in the realm of enterprise computing. Launched by NEC, a renowned leader in information technology, this server is designed for critical business applications and is tailored to meet the demanding requirements of modern data centers.

At the heart of the NEC 5800/180Ra-7 is its powerful computing architecture. It is equipped with a robust processor that offers multiple cores and threads, allowing for efficient multitasking and enhanced processing capabilities. This makes it suitable for heavy workloads, including database management, cloud computing, and virtualization services. The server's architecture ensures low latency and high throughput, enhancing the performance of applications running on it.

One of the standout features of the NEC 5800/180Ra-7 is its scalability. It supports a variety of configurations, enabling businesses to expand their resources as needed. This scalability is crucial for organizations that experience fluctuating demands or are in a growth phase, as it allows for easy upgrades without the need for a complete system overhaul.

In terms of memory and storage, the NEC 5800/180Ra-7 comes with a flexible architecture that supports large amounts of RAM and multiple storage options, including SSDs and HDDs. This flexibility ensures that businesses can tailor their server’s memory and storage capacities to fit specific applications and workloads, leading to better performance and faster data access times.

The server also includes advanced redundancy features to ensure high availability. With multiple power supplies, cooling systems, and RAID configurations, the NEC 5800/180Ra-7 minimizes downtime and ensures continuous operation, which is critical for mission-critical applications.

NEC has also integrated smart energy management technology into the 5800/180Ra-7. This technology helps reduce power consumption while maintaining optimal performance levels, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for data centers.

Furthermore, the server is built with security in mind. It includes various security features such as secure boot, TPM (Trusted Platform Module), and hardware-based encryption to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

In summary, the NEC 5800/180Ra-7 offers a combination of performance, scalability, energy efficiency, and security. With its advanced features and technologies, it serves as an ideal solution for enterprises looking to enhance their computing capabilities in today’s data-driven landscape. Its design caters to the evolving needs of businesses, making it a reliable choice for diverse applications across various industries.